Farmers and communities from traditional authorities (T/As) Malenga, Kalumo and Sauka in Ntchisi District have expressed concerns with poor roads in their areas, saying they make it difficult to access better markets.
They said this on Monday during a media tour organised by Malawi Human Rights Resource Centre (MHRRC) in T/A Kalumo to discuss the condition of roads in the district.
Group village head Chimwankhuku of T/A Kalumo, who is also a farmer, expressed frustration over the delay in constructing the Malomo-Dzaleka Road, which he said has been abandoned for the past two years.
| Lovemore Khomo
He said: “The poor state of the road, especially during the rainy season and harvest periods, is making it difficult to transport agriculture produce to markets.
“The government should prioritise this road, which is important not only to us farmers but it will also improve mobility of other goods and services.”
A farmer, Anesi James, from T/A Sauka also appealed to the government to prioritise the road project, citing challenges in accessing healthcare services.
“We spend up to K16 000 to reach Ntchisi District Hospital because ambulances fail to reach us due to the poor state of the road. This is putting the lives of pregnant women at risk,” she said.
Ntchisi District Social Accountability Committee chairperson Ackim Chiwaula called on authorities to construct roads in communities to open up opportunities to local people.
In response, Roads Authority senior public relations officer Lawrent Kumchenga assured the communities that the government remains committed to completing the Malomo-Dzaleka (M7) Road project.
“Administrative processes are currently underway and construction works are expected to resume soon,” he said.
MHRRC capacity development associate Noel Msiska urged the government to prioritise road projects, saying they promote citizen participation in local governance and development processes.
MHRRC is implementing a project on Enhancing Citizen Voice and Action in Local Governance and Development Processes with support from Norwegian Church Aid and DanChurchAid.
